Page 83 - Health, Population and Environment Education 9

Provision of necessary infrastructures for international playgrounds.
Sufficient opportunities for higher education and presence of at least one local
university.
Adequate urban facilities and should have acquired the level of sub metropolitan city.

Trend of Urbanization in Nepal
The historical studies show the existence of ancient towns in Kathmandu, Bhadgaun,
Patan, Panauti, Lumbini, Jankpur, Biratnagar, etc. However, the remainings and proofs of
such towns are less present. Nowadays, urbanization is explained in modern perspective.
Urbanization has been explained in Nepal since 1952/54 A.D. (2009/11 B.S.) census
onwards. At that time, any place having 5000 or more population was regarded as urban
area. There was 2.9% people living in urban area in Nepal at that time. But, with the
passing of time, there has been extension of urban areas and increase of population in
urban areas. People in rural areas are attracted towards several facilities in urban areas.
Hence, there is increase of migration of people from rural areas to urban areas. The trend
of urbanization in Nepal is shown in the following table.
Table: Trend of Urbanization in Nepal

Urban areas
Urban population Urban population
Census Year (metro/sub metro/
(in %) growth rate (in %)
municipality)
1952/54 A.D. 2.9 10 –
1961 A.D. 3.6 16 4.53

1971 A.D. 4.0 16 3.23
1981 A.D. 6.4 23 7.55
1991 A.D. 9.2 33 5.89

2001 A.D. 13.9 58 6.65
2011 A.D. 17 58 3.38

Source: CBS 2011 A.D.

Effects of Urbanization on Population and Environment

Urbanization extends the settlement areas and increases population in the urban areas.
With the increase of population, there is increase in demand of several facilities like
health services, education, transportation, communication, drinking water, electricity,
employment, entertainment, etc. Urbanization increases the infrastructural development
and facilities as well. But the resources in environment like forest, water, soil, minerals are
excessively utilized. As a result, there is increase of deforestation, pollution, problem of
solid waste management, spreading of diseases, environment degradation, etc. Actually,
urbanization affects population and environment positively and negatively. The positive

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